2 Peter 1:5-9: "For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith, goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But, if anyone does not have them he is near-sighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins."
In order for us to enjoy a Major League baseball game, it takes hundreds and hundreds of hours by hundreds and hundreds of people behind the scenes. One such person is the scout. As he goes to and fro across the face of this earth, he is looking for young men who can play the game of baseball. Typically, he is looking for "tools" - tools that will take this young man to the next level of baseball. Typically, those tools include: running, throwing, and hitting.
As we look at the verses above, we see some of the "tools" God is looking for to keep us productive in our knowledge of Christ. Notice that we need to possess them, and, also have them, in increasing measure. If we do not possess these qualities, in the long run, we will forget that we have been cleansed from our past sins.
Meditate On This!
It is a "grocery list", but let’s ask ourselves the question: On a scale of 1-10 (10 being the highest), what kind of grade would you give yourself in the following areas:
- Goodness
- Knowledge
- Self-control
- Perseverance
- Godliness
- Brotherly kindness
- Love
In those areas in which you scored low, what can you do to raise those scores? Are you satisfied with the level you have attained in all the areas? Ask God to help you continually improve the "tools" which He has given us.
Matthew 5:39: "But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also."
The story is told of two psychiatrists who conducted their practice in the same professional building. Since they had similar office hours, they often had occasion to ride up on the elevator together. Before leaving, the one would inevitably turn around and spit on his colleague. Without ever becoming angry, the other man would calmly take out his handkerchief, wipe his face, and then get off a few floors later. One morning the elevator operator could contain his curiosity no longer. After closing the door behind the first doctor, he asked, "How can you stand to be assaulted like that?" The second psychiatrist smiled and said, "Olcum, I dont know. That is his problem."
That story sounds too good to be true, doesn't it. Our natural response is to fight back. However, because of the grace of God toward us, our supernatural response should be one of understanding. My friend, Tim Cash, has said often that "hurting people hurt people". That is so true.
Meditate On This!
Two things to meditate on this week: Are you hurting someone? Maybe it is your wife or a loved one, maybe it is an enemy. Ask yourself, "Why am I doing this? Is this like Jesus?"
Secondly, are you being hurt by someone else? How would Jesus have you respond to that person?
Taken from Info Search
Proverbs 15:1: "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."
C.H. Spurgeon told the story of a group of drinking men in Boston who saw a respected pastor coming along the street. "Ill play a trick on ol Cotton," said one of them. Crossing to the other side, the unruly fellow stepped up to the minister and whispered, "Cotton, you are an old fool!" The preacher calmly replied, "Im afraid I am. The Lord made both you and me wiser than we are, even wise to salvation." The fellow returned to his companions thoroughly ashamed. When they pressed him to repeat Cottons words, the joking came to an end. The ministers gentle reply had silenced them.
Meditate On This!
How often do you respond to your enemies with a gentle reply? That is what Jesus did, isnt it. And we are in the process to become more like Jesus. This week, as insults and misrepresentations come your way, ask the Spirit of God to help you give a gentle answer to anyone, no matter how hard the circumstance. Stop, listen, and speak gently.
Taken from Info Search
Romans 12:10: "We must be devoted to one another in love, honoring one another above ourselves."
It has almost become an expected ritual to thank all those who have helped you gain an award, whether it be most valuable player in athletics, a Grammy, or an Oscar. There is something special about hearing people honor others in this way, but it is especially great when the emotions kick in! How about a husband who honors his wife by publicly drawing attention to her commitment to him and her family? Or a person giving special honor without words by the way they act toward them.
Meditate On This!
Who are you honoring, or dishonoring, in your life? Are you living with intention to honor your God? Your parents? Your spouse? Are there others in your life who need to be given the honor they deserve?
Here is something else to meditate on - who have been the ones who have blessed you the most? You may need to thank them today. Possibly this is an area of your life that is lacking. This week ask God to show you how you might honor those around you that love you and have been so intimately involved in Gods sovereign plan in your life.
Psalm 118:28-29: "You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God, and I will exalt you. I will give thanks to you, Lord, for you are good; your loyal love endures forever."
It continually amazes me how much excitement is generated by our dog "Peaches" when we return home. This "mutt" gets all excited every time she sees us, and no matter what I do or say to her, she seems to always come back and tries to show her love.
It is hard to find loyal friends, isnt it! In the game of baseball the media would say it is hard to find players who are loyal to teams. Transactions and the current system of the game allow for all kinds of movement.
Meditate On This!
Praise God that He does not move! Praise Him also that He is loyal and that His love endures forever! As you consider the week ahead, take a few moments to write down the many ways in which our Lord and Savior has been loyal to you . . . even when you have not been faithful to Him.
Matthew 22:37: "Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all
your soul and with all your mind.'"
Those of you who were athletes understand the thrill of the game. The emotional, physical, and mental strength it took to start and finish a contest. There was a real thrill in competing, and even a greater joy in winning, wasn't there. How we long for those days--so we try to play softball, "horse", golf, etc., to keep those competitive juices running.
When you look back to your motivation, did you play for pride, or for love of the game? Much took place before you could take to the court, didn't it? In a very real sense, all your heart, soul, mind and effort needed to go into competing in that contest.
Meditate On This!
Jesus is not homework! It saddens my heart as I see Christians around the world thinking that to have a loving relationship with God, you just need to read the Word and gain knowledge. That would be the same as reading about basketball for three months, and then, without exercise, getting out on the court and playing your first game. A relationship with Jesus is much more than just knowing about Him. It is much more than just academic. God wants all of our emotions, strengths, soul and mind. If you are studying the Word of God . . . praise God . . . but that is not true spirituality. Confession of sin, witnessing and sacrifice are all parts of the make-up that say, "I am serving Christ with all my strength."
This week think about areas of your game that need to be stepped up a notch. This is not a guilt trip at all, guys . . . this is the reality for those who want to compete and work out, not work for, their salvation.
Proverbs 3:3: "I will not let love and truth leave me, I will bind them around my neck and write them on the tablet of my heart."
Remember in the New Testament where Pilate asks the penetrating question: "What is truth?" In this information age, it is a question that continues to be asked by people on various topics. What is the truth about the JFK assassination? What is the truth about eternal life? What is the truth about relationships and motifs that individuals have?
Another question is: "What is love?" Is it affection only? How about putting up with someone? Doing kind things for them, or making a commitment to them?
Meditate On This!
The answers to the above questions are sometimes hard to find. But fortunately we have a guide and answer to these deep thoughts. We know from Scripture that Jesus is "the way, the truth, and the life". If Jesus says it, it is true! We also know that He defines "true love" for us. Right now, turn to I Corinthians 13 and look through all the things that God uses to define "love". Once you finish this process, I encourage you to think of ways to not let love and truth leave you - love and truth with your spouse - love and truth in your job - love and truth in the way you communicate with others.
